At AlmostDirt® we make our own custom stencils. There’s limitations to how much detail that can be created using stencils, but we find the look to be pretty awesome, and unique. An airbrush using a stoneware glaze/paint is used to apply most of our stencil graphics. Once a piece is finished being glazed it is fired to Cone 6 (2232F°)

When compared to other ways of implementing detailed graphics onto pottery like lithography. Lithography creates higher resolutions with full color images that can be printed and applied to pottery and then fired on at a lower temp. Typically seen in mass produced wares. In the future we will offer this type of service, but for now enjoy our unique stencil graphics.

Hand Crafted Pottery: What does this mean? It means that each piece of pottery has been uniquely crafted by hand. No two pieces of pottery will be exactly alike. As soon as hands touch clay the body of clay is changed forever.

There will always be differences even with slip casting. Some times the idea of slip casting is categorized as not being “Hand Crafted” this is not true for Almost Dirt® pottery. When I slip cast to replicate a model or design each piece is finished by hand. Each piece is carved, or reshaped one way or the other, and then painted.

Painting or glazing as its called in the world of ceramic art, also creates unique qualities and textures. Lending to the idea of “Hand Crafted”.

By: Matthew Aspey @ AlmostDirt.com

Slip Casting is a technique that has been used for centuries. It is a great way to produce more consistant results.